New rules for EU parcel post

BRITONS are facing new rules over the sending of parcels to the EU in light of Brexit, the Post Office says.

Any parcel containing gifts or goods that is being sent from England, Scotland or Wales to an EU country should now have a customs declaration form attached.

It also states that changes from tomorrow mean people will have to be “fully prepared” for a trip to the EU and get travel insurance as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will no longer be valid for UK citizens. They are also urged to take out an International Driving Permit.

Amanda Jones, the Post Office’s retail and franchise network director, said: “We know that over the past few weeks, many people will have been preoccupied with thoughts about Christmas and the pandemic.

“Postmasters are on hand to provide practical advice, particularly to small businesses, who regularly send parcels to the EU.”

A form does not have to be completed if a letter, postcard or document is being sent to an EU country.

People posting a parcel from Northern Ireland to somewhere in the EU do not need to attach a customs declaration form.

Anyone thinking of travelling to an EU destination should check the validity of their passport before they leave and ensure it has at least six months left on it, the Post Office also advises. It also notes that pet passports will not be valid from January 1, saying the process for taking a pet abroad could take as long as four months, and possibly longer.